Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. There are three types of dentures: complete dentures, partial dentures, and hybrid dentures. Complete dentures and hybrid dentures replace all the teeth while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and helps prevent other teeth from changing position.

Depending on your need a complete denture can be “conventional” or “immediate”. A conventional denture is placed in the mouth after five dental visits from the point of teeth being extracted. An immediate denture is placed in the mouth as soon as the teeth are removed. The need for either type will vary from patient to patient.

Partial dentures are similar to complete dentures, except the plastic teeth and acrylic gums surround frameworks made of metal or flexible thermoplastic material and use existing teeth for support. While the metal framework partial dentures will take five visits to place, the thermoplastic type (Valplast) will take fewer appointments for final placement.

Hybrid dentures are the newest treatment option for patients who do not have enough bone to support a complete denture. A hybrid denture is one supported by implants and has a metal framework encased in acrylic, which supports the artificial teeth.

All dentures will need to be adjusted for sore spots and relined, rebased, or remade at some point. It is recommended to have annual check-ups to evaluate your gums, jaw bones, and the denture relationship or “fit”.